Simcenter STAR-CCM+

Improve your product’s performance in virtually any real-world condition with our advanced multiphysics computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software. Our innovative technology is designed to optimize your product’s capabilities, helping you achieve better results, faster than ever before.

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Star CCM Tutorial

Are you ready to master fluid dynamics simulations with Star CCM+? This comprehensive guide, featuring our star CCM tutorial, will walk you through everything you need to know about this powerful simulation software. From downloading and installing the software to creating complex simulation models, you’ll gain the knowledge and skills to tackle real-world engineering problems with confidence.

Key Takeaways

  • Mastering Fluid Dynamics with Star CCM+ requires downloading and installing the software, selecting licensing options, building a simulation model through geometry creation and meshing techniques, setting boundary conditions & physics models as well and running simulations.

  • Enhance your skills by accessing tutorials on YouTube or courses from Siemens Learning Center. Get expert advice from the user community & support centre.

  • Star CCM+ is widely used across various industries such as automotive, aerospace & energy/environment for performance optimization and environmental impact reduction.

Volupes contacts for Simcenter STAR-CCM+

Carl Wanngård, M.Sc.

VOLUPE

Lukas Johansson, M.Sc.

VOLUPE

Getting Started with Star CCM+

Starting with Star CCM+ involves mastering the basics: downloading, installing, and operating the software. This segment provides the information needed to enable you to initiate and promptly run fluid dynamics simulations.

Download and Installation

To obtain the most recent version of Star CCM+, you can download it from the Siemens website, which is the primary source for the software. Once downloaded, follow the installation instructions provided in the command line method for either Linux or Windows and accept the terms and conditions during the process.

Make sure to verify that all necessary files are installed correctly, and update the software to the most recent version to avoid any compatibility issues.

Licensing Options

Star CCM+ provides various licensing options depending on the capacity and users. According to online sources, the pricing for a 1-seat annual license is approximately $30,000, but the actual cost may differ due to factors such as parallel run, using both Star-CD and Star-CCM+, and other considerations.

To find the best licensing option for your needs, reaching out to Siemens or authorized resellers for accurate and current pricing details is recommended.

Customer success and Support

The Volupe customer success program includes regular technical follow-up meetings with our Customer Success Manager Carl Stenson. We go through what projects you have carried out, what you see in front of you and how we can support you in the best possible way. All our customers will be appointed a dedicated support technician who will be your first point of contact and carry relevant experience from your industry and how the software can be used efficiently and accurately.

Launching the Software

Once the software is installed and you have the appropriate license, follow these steps to get started with Star CCM+:

  1. Launch Star CCM+ and enter your license information.

  2. Select the type of simulation you want to perform.

  3. Choose the solver that best suits your needs.

  4. Create a mesh for your simulation.

  5. Define the boundary conditions for your simulation.

  6. Select the physics models you want to include in your simulation.

  7. Take advantage of the software’s extensive capabilities to customize your simulation.

With your settings in place, you’re ready to start your simulation.

Building Your First Simulation Model

Building your initial simulation model in Star CCM+ encompasses three primary steps: constructing geometry, meshing, and choosing materials. This segment covers the fundamentals of each step, aiding in establishing a robust foundation for your fluid dynamics simulations.

Geometry Creation

To create a geometry in Star CCM+, follow these steps:

  1. Open a new project.

  2. Import or create a 3D-CAD object. You can import geometries in various file formats, such as STP (STEP), IGS (IGES), and Parasolid.

  3. Modify the geometry as needed.

  4. Create new 3D CAD models or surfaces.

  5. Refine and manipulate the geometry using available tools.

  6. Save the geometry before proceeding with setting up the simulation model.

Dummy particle filter geometry

Meshing Techniques

Generating a mesh for your simulation model in Star CCM+ involves using the meshes feature in the software. Start by constructing a tetrahedral mesh, then consolidate cells to produce a poly mesh with a decreased number of cells.

You can also explore options such as directed meshing and parts-based meshing for further control over the mesh generation process.

Material Selection

Selecting materials for your simulation model involves the following steps:

  1. Navigate to the Simulation tab.

  2. Click on Tools.

  3. Select Material Databases.

  4. Choose the Standard database.

  5. Right-click on any of the available materials to select it.

Some materials may have properties that depend on two state variables, such as temperature and pressure. Ensure that the appropriate material properties are specified based on these variables.

Additionally, consider factors such as material properties, geometry compatibility, and material groupings when selecting materials for your simulation.

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How much cost star ccm?

There are different licensing options available for Simcenter STAR-CCM+ to suit different needs and budgets and each is calculated at a different price.

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Learn more about Star CCM

Simcenter STAR-CCM+ is multi-physics simulation software, developed by Siemens, which enables users to accurately predict and analyze product performance, under various conditions, with ease and scalability in mind.

Simulation Settings and Boundary Conditions

After setting up your geometry, mesh, and materials, you can proceed to the simulation settings and boundary conditions in Star CCM+. These factors dictate the behaviour of fluid flow on the borders of your simulation domain, safeguarding the accurate reflection of actual conditions.

Physics Models

Star CCM+ offers various physics models, including the Axisymmetric Model, the Shell Three-Dimensional Model, and the Two-Dimensional Model. When selecting the appropriate physics model for your simulation, consider factors such as modelling space and time, material models, flow models, and physics continuum.

The correct combination of physics models will help you accurately simulate and analyze fluid dynamics phenomena in your specific application.

Boundary Conditions

Boundary conditions are essential in accurately simulating fluid flow at the boundaries of your simulation domain. Star CCM+ offers various types of boundary conditions, such as velocity inlet, pressure outlet, and wall conditions, which can be applied to accurately replicate real-world scenarios.

To set up boundary conditions, navigate to the Regions tab, select the desired boundary, and configure the relevant conditions, including drag, under the Physics Conditions section of the location.

Solver Settings

Solver settings in Star CCM+ determine the efficiency and accuracy of your simulations. To optimize solver settings, consider adjusting the default settings to meet the specific needs of your problem. Pay close attention to solution controls for solvers, such as the CFL number and time-step for transient simulations, and optimize the coupled solver settings for better performance.

Adequate optimization of solver settings helps balance accuracy and computational efficiency in your simulations.

Running and Analyzing Simulations

Once your simulation model is ready, you can initiate your simulation and scrutinize the results. This segment will walk you through launching a simulation, post-processing outputs, and verifying and enhancing your model.

Starting a Simulation

To start a simulation, follow these steps:

  1. Define the number of time steps desired.

  2. Once your simulation is running, you can monitor its progress using monitors.

  3. Monitors are data collectors that provide real-time updates on various elements such as residuals, simulation time, and other significant variables.

Post-processing Results

After your simulation is complete, you can analyze and visualize the results using various post-processing tools available in Star CCM+. These tools enable you to save important data at predetermined time intervals and apply advanced rendering techniques for better visualization of your simulation results.

By thoroughly analyzing your results, you can gain valuable insight into the performance of your model and identify areas for improvement.

Validating and Improving Your Model

Validating your simulation results is a crucial step in ensuring the accuracy of your model. By comparing your simulation results with theoretical or experimental results, you can:

  • Identify any discrepancies

  • Refine your model accordingly

  • Iteratively improve your model

  • Achieve better accuracy and performance in your simulations

  • Make more informed decisions

  • Optimize your designs

Carl Wanngård, M.Sc.

VOLUPE

Lukas Johansson, M.Sc.

VOLUPE

Enhancing Your Skills with Tutorials and Resources

As you advance with Star CCM+, it’s beneficial to constantly improve your skills and knowledge. This segment unveils various tutorials, and resources, including a user guide, and support options that will assist in mastering Star CCM+.

YouTube Tutorials

YouTube is an excellent platform to find helpful tutorials on various aspects of Star CCM+ for beginners and advanced users alike. Channels like LearnCAx offer comprehensive video tutorial series that cover a wide range of topics, from basic geometry creation to advanced meshing techniques.

By watching these videos and following along, you can quickly enhance your understanding of Star CCM+ and its capabilities.

Siemens Learning Center

The Siemens Learning Center offers comprehensive training and resources for Star CCM+ users. The Siemens Xcelerator Academy provides 23 courses related to Simcenter STAR-CCM+ for university students and faculty at no cost.

By taking advantage of these courses, you can deepen your knowledge of Star CCM+ and improve your skills in various aspects of the software.

User Community and Support

Connecting with the Star CCM+ user community can provide valuable insights and support for your projects. Platforms such as the Siemens Community Forum and the CFD Online Forum offer opportunities to engage with other users, share experiences, and find solutions to common challenges.

Additionally, Siemens provides customer support for Star CCM+ users through their Support Center, ensuring that you always have access to expert assistance when you need it.

From start to end

Real-World Applications and Industry Use Cases

Star CCM+ is extensively utilized in diverse industries such as automotive, aerospace, and energy and environment. This segment will examine some practical applications and industry examples of Star CCM+ and its advantages in these fields.

Automotive

In the automotive industry, Star CCM+ is used for vehicle aerodynamics CFD simulations, allowing engineers to rapidly create intricate geometries and evaluate the aerodynamic performance of vehicles. Notable automotive companies, like Volvo Group and Daimler Trucks, employ Star CCM+ for their simulation requirements.

By leveraging the power of Star CCM+, automotive engineers can design and optimize vehicles for improved performance and efficiency.

Aerospace

Star CCM+ plays a significant role in the aerospace industry. It is used for applications such as:

  • Thrust reverser design

  • Engine integration

  • Inlet design

  • Fuel optimization

By simulating and analyzing aircraft designs, engineers can optimize performance and reduce the cost of aircraft certification.

Star CCM+ enables the aerospace industry to achieve higher levels of efficiency and safety in their designs.

Energy and Environment

Star CCM+ is utilized in the energy and environment sectors for:

  • Optimizing processes

  • Reducing environmental impact

  • Calculations of fluid dynamics to enhance aerodynamic performance

  • Investigating and optimizing energy-saving measures

With its powerful simulation capabilities, Star CCM+ helps engineers and scientists develop innovative solutions for sustainable energy production and environmental protection.

Summary

This comprehensive guide to mastering fluid dynamics with Star CCM+ has covered everything from getting started with the software to understanding its real-world applications and industry use cases. By following the steps and best practices outlined in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a Star CCM+ expert, capable of tackling complex engineering problems and creating innovative solutions that exceed customer expectations and improve product performance.

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Frequently Asked Questions - Star CCM Tutorial

Star CCM appears to have more user-friendly features and more accurate results than Fluent. It also has access to advanced solvers, such as for combustion modelling, that are not available in Fluent. Ultimately, the best choice will come down to personal preference.

Star CCM stands for SimcenterSTAR-CCM+, a powerful software for Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Computational Continuum Mechanics (CCM) simulations from Siemens Digital Industries.

STAR-CCM+ is a fully integrated solver platform from Siemens that covers physics way beyond fluid flow and heat transfer. It includes pre-processing via meshing through multiphysics modelling, data analysis and photorealistic visualization, and VR capabilities, allowing businesses to run even the most complex multiphysics CFD simulations.

Star CCM's Virtual Disk model is a physics-based approach that reduces computational costs by representing a propeller's influence on fluid as a momentum source. Developed by Simcenter Siemens Digital Industries Software, this approach ensures efficient calculations and an accurate solution.

Star CCM+ is a powerful simulation platform that allows engineers to explore the entire design space, enabling them to accurately predict product performance in real-world conditions.

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